Ghana summons South African envoy over alleged xenophobic attacks on citizens

The Government of Ghana has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner following reports of xenophobic incidents involving Ghanaian nationals in the country.

The move comes after viral videos and reports surfaced showing Ghanaian migrants being harassed, including an incident in KwaZulu-Natal where a legal resident was allegedly told to return home and “fix his country.”

According to Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the meeting with South Africa’s acting High Commissioner, Thando Dalamba, was convened to address rising tensions and ensure the safety of Ghanaian citizens.

Ablakwa described the reported incidents as unacceptable, warning that harassment of law-abiding foreign nationals contradicts the principles of African unity and solidarity.

He also noted concerns over escalating tensions in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, have reportedly been advised to remain indoors for safety.

South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy, has in recent years experienced repeated waves of anti-immigrant sentiment, fuelled in part by unemployment levels exceeding 30 percent. Occasional outbreaks of violence against foreign nationals have been recorded during such periods.

Official figures indicate that around 2.4 million foreign-born individuals live in South Africa, representing roughly 4 percent of the population.

Ghana, in its diplomatic engagement, reiterated its historical support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle while calling for protection and fair treatment of its citizens abroad.